The W trek in Torres del Paine - 2024/25 season
The W trek in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia is a stunning route with some of the most beautiful landscapes in Patagonian National Park. It's one of the most famous hikes in South America. The trek is a good compromise between day hikes in Torres del Paine and the challenging O-circuit. The W route takes hikers to all highlights of the National Park including the Mirador Las Torres, Grey Glacier, and Pehoé Lake.
In my opinion, the W trek is one of the best long-distance treks in Patagonia. It's a good combination of a great hiking experience, amazing scenery, good infrastructure, and a moderate level of difficulty.
We have created a Patagonia resource page where you can find a lot of information on the region and Torres del Paine
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The route overview
- Total distance - 100 km/62 miles linear trek
- Required number of days - 4-5 days
- Starting point - Paine Grande campsite (ferry from Pudeto) or Hotel Las Torres
- Finishing point - Hotel Las Torres (bus to Laguna Amarga) or Paine Grande campsite
- Highest point - Mirador Las Torres, 900m/2952ft
- Permits - no special permits are required
- Entrance fee - US$49.
- Advanced campsite booking is required for the W trek.
- Accommodation - campsites, refugios (hostels), hotels.
W trek tours
You can hike the W trek in a small group. In this case, you don't have to do any planning, book campsites, and transportation. It works out more expensive than hiking independently but at the same time, it's easier and quicker.
Where is the W trek?
The W trek is a multi-day hiking route in the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Southern Chile. It's one of the most famous treks in the region.
How long is the trek?
The total distance of the W trek in Torres del Paine is 100 km/62 miles. To hike it takes 4 or 5 days. If you want to spend more time in the park and walk shorter days you can do the trek over 6 or 7 days staying an extra night at the campsites.
How difficult is the route?
The W trek is a moderate multi-day hike. It isn't a technical or altitude trek. It doesn't require a lot of experience or special training. Being in good shape and having some hiking experience will make it easier. Unpredictable weather is the biggest challenge on the W trek trail. Patagonia is known for its strong winds and heavy rains that might make hiking difficult.
Is the W trek worth it?
It's worth including the W trek in Torres del Paine in your Patagonia itinerary. The route offers some of the best scenery in Patagonia including the highlights of the region. If you enjoy hiking, nature, wildlife, and camping the trek should be on your bucket list.
When is the best time for hiking in Torres del Paine?
Weather-wise November to March is the warmest period. Day temperatures are between 12°C and 15°C, and nights are between 8°C and 10°C. Wind in Chilean Patagonia can be quite hectic, summer months, except February, are quite windy - November, December, and January are the windiest months. For more information on weather in season read our post "When is the best time to visit Torres del Paine?".
As for rain in January, March, and April, you’ll get the most rainfall, February is again quite a favorable month with the least rainfall. From the weather point of view, February would be an ideal month for backpacking in Torres del Paine and exploring the Carretera Austral.
January and February are the peak season in Torres del Paine. If you're planning to do the W trek during these months it's highly advised to book campsites long in advance.
The cost of the W trek
The W trek can cost you anything from US$270 per person for 5 days (camping with your gear and making food). The cost will depend on the chosen accommodation option and meal plan.
The most budget-friendly option of hiking the W trek (camping with your gear and making food)
Transport
- Bus Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine - CLP 28 000/US$30, return.
- Catamaran Pudeto - Paine Grande - CLP 26 000/US$30 (fixed price in USD), one way.
- Bus Hotel Las Torres - Laguna Amarga - US$6.
Entrance fee
The entrance fee to Torres del Paine for the W trek (assuming you're going to spend more than 3 days in the park) is CLP 44 500/US$50 for adults and children over 12. Children under 12 years old - free.
Accommodation
Camping with your gear - US$104 (4 nights) per person for double occupancy. Two nights at Vertice Patagonia campsites (US$11x1 and US$13x1), and two nights at Las Torres Patagonia campsites (US$40x2). Las Torres Patagonia campsites have a supplement fee for solo occupancy which is US$25 per night.
If you stay at fully-equipped campsites (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat) you'll pay around US$100 per person per night. Dormitories with bunk beds are available at some campsites from US$43 per person.
Food
Making food - from US$10 per person per day. If you buy meals at the campsites' restaurants your food expenses will be significantly higher. For a full board, you'll pay US$95 at Vertice and US$110 at Las Torres Patagonia. You can buy separate meals at most campsites. Most campsites have small shops where you can buy essentials, snacks, and drinks.
Gear rental (optional)
Having your gear will save a lot of money on rent. If you're planning to do more hikes in the region it might be worth buying gear. You can find second-hand camping and hiking gear in Puerto Natales.
To rent camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, cooking stove, etc.) in Puerto Natales will cost you between US$15 and US$25 pp. per day, depending on what you rent.
Gear rental prices in Puerto Natales
| Item | Price per day, USD |
| Sleeping bag -9°C | US$8 |
| Sleeping mat | US$5 |
| 2-men tent | US$12 |
| Cooking set (stove, pots, bowls. cups etc.) | US$6 |
| Headlamp | US$2.5 |
| Hiking poles | US$6 |
| Waterproof jacket | US$7 |
| Waterproof pants | US$4 |
| Hiking backpack | US$6 |
| Down jacket | US$7 |
| Gloves | US$2 |
You can rent camping gear at the paid campsites on the W trek. To rent a 2-man tent at the campsites costs US$44 (Vertice) and US$55 (Las Torres) per day; a sleeping bag - US$28 (Vertice) and US$35 (Las Torres) per day; a camping mat - US$11 per day. It's more expensive than in the town but you don't have to carry the camping gear.
Can you hike without a guide?
Yes, you can walk the W trek in Torres del Paine independently. Having a guide or walking in a group is not required.
How to buy entrance tickets to Torres del Paine?
According to the official website, in the 2024/25 hiking season, visitors have to purchase their entrance tickets online at least 24 hours before their visit. They don't accept payments at the park entrance gates.
You can show your ticket on the screen of your mobile phone or print it.
The entrance fee for foreign visitors over 12 years old is US$50 (more than 3 days in the park).
Park rules
You have to book campsites beforehand and have a booking confirmation printed or on your mobile phone.
It's required to have a passport and a migration card (you get it entering the country) with you on the trek.
Hikers are allowed to camp only at designated campsites.
The campsites for the W trek must be booked in advance. At the gate, you'll be asked to show your booking confirmation.
Open fires are not allowed in the park - in the past, they caused terrible fires.
Hikers are allowed to use camping stoves only at designated areas at the campsites. In the 2024/25 hiking season due to the high risk of forest fires, hikers are allowed to use camping stoves at the Chileno and Central campsites only in the special covered areas.
Drinking water can be found all over the park, and it is considered to be good quality. We didn’t use any filters or purification systems on the trek.
Puerto Natales is the best place to be based before and after the hike. The town has many hotels, campsites, restaurants, shops, and gear rental places.
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How to book the campsites on the W trek in 2024?
The campsites on the W trek belong to two companies; Vertice Patagonia: Grey and Paine Grande and Las Torres Patagonia: Central, Los Cuernos, Francés, and Chileno. You can book the campsites online on Vertice Patagonia, and Las Torres Patagonia websites.
In 2023, you could use the booking service Booking Patagonia to book campsites on the W trek. I tried it this year, but I keep getting no availability for any dates I choose. The CONAF recommended it as the official booking system, but this year, it's not on the website.
| Vertice Patagonia campsites | Las Torres Patagonia campsites |
| Grey | Central |
| Paine Grande | Chileno |
| Los Cuernos | |
| Francés |
All campsites have similar facilities and can be booked online.
Overall camping, meals, and gear rental prices at Las Torres Patagonia campsites are higher than at the Fantastico Sur campsites.
Vertice Patagonia campsites on the W trek are open from
- Grey – from 4th November
- Paine Grande – from 1st October
Las Torres campsites on the W trek are open from
- Central campsite is open from 15th September
- Frances – from 15th September
- Cuernos – from 1st November
- Chileno – from 1st October
Our post, Torres del Paine campsites, contains a lot of information on the topic including a map of the campsites, booking tips, camping facilities, etc. The information in the post is updated for the 2024/25 hiking season.
Where does the route start?
The W trek in Torres del Paine can be walked westbound or eastbound. The starting point of the route will depend on the chosen direction. If you walk westbound then you start at Hotel Las Torres (Central campsite). If you walk eastbound then the starting point will be at the Paine Grande campsite.
How to get to the W trek?
Puerto Natales is the nearest town to Torres del Paine National Park. There are regular daily buses from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine. The nearest airport is in Puerto Natales. There are direct flights from Santiago de Chile and Puerto Montt.
Step 1. Take a bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine
All buses leave from the bus terminal in Puerto Natales.
Bus tickets from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine with Bus-Sur can be booked online. During the high season, it's recommended to buy your bus tickets at least one day in advance.
Buses from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine
| Buses | Bus 1 | Bus 2 | Bus 3* | Bus 4 | Bus 5** |
| Leaves Puerto Natales (bus terminal) | 6.45 am | 7 am | 7.15 am | 12 pm | 2.30 pm |
| Arrives at Laguna Amarga | 8.45 am | 9 am | 9 am | 2 pm | 4.30 pm |
| Arrives at Pudeto (ferry to Paine Grande) | 9.45 am | 10 am | 10.15 am | 3 pm | 5.15 pm |
| Arrives at Hotel Lago Grey (ferry to the Grey campsite) | 11.15 am | 11.30 am | 11.30 am | 4.30 pm | - |
*The 7.15 am bus goes only between 1st November and 31st March
**The 2.30 pm bus goes only between 1st November and 31st March. It doesn't go to Hotel Lago Grey
Step 2. Get off at the Laguna Amarga, Pudeto, or Hote Lago Grey stop
Where to get off the bus depends on where you are going to start the W trek. There are 3 possibilities: Laguna Amarga (Hotel Las Torres), Pudeto (ferry to Paine Grande), and Hotel Lago Grey (boat to Grey campsite).
Option A. If you want to walk the W trek from east to west you start at Hotel Las Torres (Laguna Amarga stop).
Option B. If you want to walk the W trek from west to east you start at Paine Grande (Pudeto stop).
Option C. If you start the trek at Grey campsite and walk from west to east you have to get off the bus at Hotel Lago Grey stop. It's the most expensive option because to get from Hotel Lago Grey to Grey campsite you have to do a glacier cruise which costs US$100 per person. The advantage of this option is that you don't have to walk the stretch between Grey campsite and Paine Grande to and back unlike starting at Paine Grande.
Step 3A. Take a bus from Laguna Amarga to Hotel Las Torres
You have to get off the bus at Laguna Amarga to catch another bus from Laguna Amarga to Hotel Las Torres. The journey from Puerto Natales to Laguna Amarga is 2 hours. The price is CLP 14 000/US$15.
To get from Laguna Amarga to Hote Las Torres takes 10 minutes, and the price is CLP 5000/US$6. The departure times are linked to the arrival times of the bus from Puerto Natales.
If you don't want to take the second bus you can walk from the Laguna Amarga entrance to Hotel Las Torres. It's about 7 km.
Step 3B. Take a ferry from Pudeto to Paine Grande
You have to get off the bus at Pudeto and from there take a ferry to Paine Grande. The bus journey from Puerto Natales to Pudeto takes 3 hours. The price is CLP 14 000/US$15 pp.
The ferry ride from Pudeto to Paine Grande takes about 30 minutes. The price is CLP 26 000/US$30 one way. You can buy tickets and confirm the current timetable on the Hip Sur website.
Ferries from Pudeto to Paine Grande in the 2024/25 season
| September | October, November | December, January, February | March, April |
| 10.30 am | 8.30 am | 8.30 am | 8.30 am |
| | 10.30 am | 10.30 am | 10.30 am |
| | | 4.15 pm | |
| 6 pm | 6 pm | 6 pm | 6 pm |
Step 3C. Get on a boat from Hotel Lago Grey to Grey campsite
Get off the bus at the last stop Hotel Lago Grey. The journey from Puerto Natales to Hotel Grey takes 4h30min., and the price is CLP 25 000/US$27. From Hotel Grey you have to walk 20-30 minutes to the pier where you get on a boat.
The boat takes you first to Grey Glacier and then makes a stop at the Grey campsite. There are 3-4 daily departures. The trip is 1h30min. The price is CLP 90 000/US$100 per person. You can book your tickets and confirm departure times online.
You can find more information on transportation in our detailed post on how to get to Torres del Paine.
It's possible to do the W trek with a tour. It works out more expensive but on the other hand, you don't have to worry about planning your itinerary, booking campsites, etc.
W trek route map
The W trek - a 5-day itinerary
You can walk the famous W trek in both directions; from Paine Grande to Hotel Las Torres (Central campsite) or in the opposite direction from Hotel Las Torres to Paine Grande. Whichever way you go you'll start and finish your trek with one of the highlights of Torres del Paine; Gray Glacier or Mirador Las Torres.
We started the W route at Paine Grande. Before deciding on the direction check the availability of the campsites on the route, especially during the high season.
Day 1. Paine Grande campsite - Grey campsite, 11 km/6,8 mi
Bus Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine (Pudeto entrance); ferry Pudeto - Paine Grande, 3-4 hours in total. Refugio Paine Grande/campsite - Grey campsite/Refugio Grey, 11 km/6,8 miles, 3 hours
Cost: bus - CLP 14 000/US$15, entrance fee - US$50, ferry - US$30, camping at Grey campsite - US$11.
Highlights
- Pehoe Lake
- Grey Lake, an impressive glacial lake
- Grey Glacier
Challenges
- Several ascents and descents on the way between Paine Grande and Grey campsite.
7.00-7.30 - catch a bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park.
9.30-9.45 - get off at the first stop Laguna Amarga to pay the park entrance fee. Tip! Try to be one of the first people at the office so that you don't have to wait too long you still have to get back on the bus. After paying the fee, getting tickets and maps get back on the bus and continue to Pudeto.
10.30 - get off the bus at Pudeto. Go to the ferry ticket office to buy a ticket to Paine Grande and find out about the departure time. Buy a one-way ticket you'll finish the trek at a different entrance. Tip! If you have time before the departure you can go to Salto Chico waterfall.
11.00 - get on the ferry to Paine Grande.
11.30 - get off the ferry at Paine Grande.
Here you have two options; to camp at Paine Grande and walk to Grey Glacier and back with a day pack or to walk with all your gear to the Grey campsite and overnight there. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. If you camp at Paine Grande you'll walk to the glacier without your backpack and you can do the W trek in 4 days but you'll have less time to walk around and to go to the viewpoints. If you camp at the Grey campsite you'll have more time to explore the area but you'll have to walk with your backpack from and to Paine Grande.
11.30 - start walking toward Grey Glacier, 11km. It'll take you between 3 and 4 hours.
15.30-16.00 - arrive at the Grey campsite, pitch your tent, and have lunch.
17.00 - walk around the campsite, and go to the lake. You can leave your stuff in the tent but we'd suggest taking valuables e.g. a camera, money with you.
18.00-19.00 - get back to the campsite, have dinner, and rest.
Day 2. Grey campsite - Grey Glacier viewpoint - Grey campsite - Paine Grande campsite, 20 km/12,4 mi
Grey campsite - glacier Grey viewpoint - Grey campsite - Paine Grande, 20 km/12,4 miles, 7 hours
Cost: camping at Paine Grande - US$13.
Highlights
- A lookout point near the suspension bridge
- Grey Glacier
- Grey lake
- Pehoe lake
Challenges
- A steep ascent to the Grey Glacier view-point
- A steep descent back to the Grey campsite
- Several ascents and descents on the way from Grey to the Paine Grande campsite.
7.00 - get up, and have breakfast.
8.00 - start walking towards Paso campsite and a suspension bridge, to the viewpoints. Leave your stuff in the tent at the campsite, and take a day-pack with valuable stuff, water, and snacks.
9.30-10.00 - you'll arrive at the viewpoint. There are several points from where you can see the glacier. From here we'd suggest starting walking back you still have to pack your tent and walk to Paine Grande.
11.00-11.30 - arrive back at Grey campsite, pack your tent, and have lunch.
12.30 - start walking to Paine Grande.
16.30-17.00 - arrive at Paine Grande, pitch your tent, and walk around.
19.00 - make dinner, rest.
Day 3. Paine Grande campsite - Mirador Frances - Francés campsite, 19 km/11,8 mi
Paine Grande - Italiano campsite - Mirador Frances - Mirador Britanico (in good weather) - Francés Valley and campsite, 19 km/11,8 miles, 8 hours
Cost: camping at Francés campsite - US$40 per person (double occupancy), US$65 (single occupancy)
Highlights
- Skotsberg lake
- French Valley
- Mirador Frances
- Mirador Britanico
Challenges
- A steep ascent to Mirador Britanico from Italiano campsite
- A steep descent back from the Mirador to the campsite
6.00-7.00 - get up, make breakfast, and pack.
8.00 - start walking towards the Italiano campsite - 7,6 km, 2,5 hours.
10.30 - arrive at the Italiano campsite, leave your big backpack at the office, and walk to the Mirador Frances - 2 km, 1 hour.
11.30 - arrive at the Mirador Francés, rest, and have snacks. If the weather is good and you feel strong continue walking towards the Mirador Britanico - 3,5 km, 2 hours.
13.30 - arrive at the Mirador Britanico, rest, and enjoy the view.
14.00 - start heading back to the Italiano campsite - 5,5 km, 2-3 hours.
16.30 - arrive at Italiano and continue walking towards the Francés campsite - 2 km, 30 min.
17.00 - arrive at the Francés.
Day 4. Francés campsite - Chileno campsite, 18,5 km/11,4 mi
Francés campsite - Refugio Los Cuernos/Cuernos campsite - Refugio Chileno/Chileno campsite, 18,5 km/11,4 miles, 7 hours
Cost: camping at Chileno - US$40 per person (double occupancy), US$64 (single occupancy).
Spending the final night at Chileno campsite is currently the only option if you want to see the sunrise at Mirador Las Torres. There used to be a free campsite just 800m away from the Mirador Las Torres but it's been closed since 2018. From Chileno to the Mirador is a 2.5-3-hour short hike but the elevation gain is quite impressive. You have to start at 3.00-4.00 am in summer as the sunrise is between 5.30 (December) and 7.00 (February).
In the 2024/25 hiking season because of the high risk of forest fires, it's not allowed to use camping stoves at the Chileno campsite. You can buy meals at the campsite restaurant, pack food that doesn't need to be cooked, or use a small table inside the restaurant where campers can cook.
Highlights
- Nordenskjold lake
Challenges
- Several ascents and descents on the way to the Chileno campsite
7.00 - get up, have breakfast, and pack.
8.00 - start walking towards Los Cuernos - 5km, 2 hours.
10.00 - arrive at Los Cuernos, and stop for rest and snacks. Continue walking towards Chileno campsite - 15km, 5,5 hours.
15.30 - arrive at Chileno, pitch a tent, walk around, and rest.
18.00 - make dinner, and rest.
Day 5. Chileno - Mirador Las Torres - Puerto Natales, 14 km/8,6 mi
Chileno campsite - Mirador Las Torres - Hotel Las Torres, 14 km/8,6 mi, 5h30min. Bus Hotel Las Torres - Laguna Amarga; bus - Laguna Amarga - Puerto Natales, 3 hours.
Cost: bus Hotel Las Torres - Laguna Amarga - CLP 5000/US$6, bus Laguna Amarga - Puerto Natales - CLP 14 000/US$15.
Highlights
- Mirador Las Torres - three sharp mountain peaks and the lagoon.
Challenges
- A long and steep ascent to Mirador Las Torres
- A long and steep descent to Hotel Las Torres
4.00-5.00 (depending on sunrise time) - get up, start going up to the Mirador - 4km, 2h15min.
6.15-7.15 - arrive at the Mirador. Enjoy the sunrise, spend some time resting, taking photos, and exploring the area.
8.00 - start going down to Chileno - 4km, 1h30min.
9.30 - arrive at Chileno, get your stuff, and start descending towards Hotel Las Torres - 5,5km, 1h30min.
11.00 - arrive at Hotel Las Torres, from here you can catch a shuttle bus to Laguna Amarga (confirm the departure time at the hotel) or walk - 7km, 2 hours.
14.00-14.30 - catch a bus from Laguna Amarga to Puerto Natales. We'd recommend checking the bus timetable at the park office at the beginning of the trek.
16.30 - arrive in Puerto Natales.
The W route - a 4-day itinerary
If for some reason your time in Torres del Paine is limited you can walk the W trek in 4 days.
Day 1. Paine Grande campsite - Grey campsite - Paine Grande campsite, 22 km/13,6 mi
Bus Puerto Natales Torres del Paine (Pudeto); ferry Pudeto - Paine Grande, 3-4 hours. Paine Grande campsite - Grey campsite - Paine Grande campsite, 22 km/13,6 miles, 6 hours
Cost: bus - CLP 14 000/US$15, entrance fee - US$50, ferry - CLP 26 000/US$30, camping at Paine Grande - US$13.
Highlights
- Pehoe lake
- Grey lake
- Grey Glacier
Challenges
- Several ascents and descents on the way from Paine Grande to the Grey campsite.
7.00-7.30 - catch a bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park.
9.30-9.45 - get off at the first stop Laguna Amarga to pay the park entrance fee. Get back on the bus.
10.30 - get off the bus at Pudeto, and go to the ferry ticket office to buy a ticket to Paine Grande.
11.00 - get on the ferry to Paine Grande.
11.30 - get off the ferry at Paine Grande.
11.30-12.00 - pitch your tent. Leave your stuff in the tent, and take only valuables, water, and snacks.
12.00 - start walking to the glacier - 11 km, 2h30min.
14.30 - arrive at the Grey campsite, and spend some time walking around. If you have time go to one of the nearest viewpoints. Remember the stretch between the Grey campsite and Paine Grande closes at 4 pm after that time you're not allowed to start walking so make sure you start heading back before.
Before 16.00 - start walking back to Paine Grande. In the summer it gets dark after 9 pm in Patagonia, on the way back you'll have enough time to enjoy the view and take some photos don't waste time on that on the way to the glacier.
18.00 - 19.00 - arrive at Paine Grande, have dinner, and rest.
From the second day, follow the 5-day itinerary from Day 3.
Getting back to Puerto Natales
After completing the W trek you can get back to Puerto Natales using public transport. Depending on where you finish the hike you'll have to take a bus/ferry/boat to get to one of the stops from where you can catch a bus to Puerto Natales.
Ferries from Paine Grande to Pudeto
If you finish the W trek at Paine Grande you have to take a ferry to Pudeto first. And then a bus from Pudeto to Puerto Natales.
| September | October, November | December, January, February | March, April |
| 9.20 am | 9.20 am | 9.20 am | |
| 11.20 am | 11.20 am | 11.20 am | 11.20 am |
| 5 pm | |||
| 6.40 pm | 6.40 pm | 6.40 pm | 6.40 pm |
Wherever you finish the W trek at Laguna Amarga or Pudeto you can take a direct bus to Puerto Natales. The price is CLP 14 000/US$15 (CLP 25 000/US$27 from Hotel Grey). The journey takes between 2 and 4,5 hours depending on the distance.
Buses from Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales
| Buses Torres del Paine - Puerto Natales | Bus 1* | Bus 2 | Bus 3 | Bus 4* |
| Leaves Hotel Lago Grey | - | 1.30 pm | 5.30 pm | - |
| Leaves Pudeto | 10.30 am | 2.30 pm | 7.30 pm | 7.40 pm |
| Leaves Laguna Amarga | 11 am | 3 pm | 8.15 pm | 8.20 pm |
| Arrives in Puerto Natales | 1 pm | 5.05 pm | 9.30 pm | 9.35 pm |
If you still have some time to spend in Patagonia after completing the W trek, you can visit the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, Argentina.
Places to stay in Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales is the best place to be based before the trek, it's not a big place but it's quite geared toward tourists, here you can find all you need to prepare for the hike: hotels, hostels, shops, gear rental places, pharmacies, ATMs, etc.
There are many accommodation options in Puerto Natales from budget campsites to fancy guest houses and apartments, here are our suggestions;
- Budget | Hostel 53 Sur | Xalpen B&B |
- Middle price | Hostal Treehouse Patagonia | Wild Hostel |
- Luxury | Toore Patagonia | Weskar Lodge |
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The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
Hello - fantastic information - thank you so much.
I have a couple of questions. I'm planning on doing the W trek in mid - late April as part of a much bigger trip in Patagonia and S America.
My questions are
1. Am I unwise for doing this trek ( solo ) in late April?
2. I am travelling around S America with a large rucksack and taking a smaller one on the W Trek. Will most hostels in P Natales be able to accomodate my large bag for me while I'm doing the W trek?
Thanks in advance
Henry
Hello Henry. Thank you for the comment. The W trek is a popular route I'm sure even in April there will be other hikers. The trek is now as isolated and remote as the O circuit. In April most campsites and hotels on the W trek will still be open. Finding a place to stay shouldn't be a problem. Note that Cuernos campsite will be closed from 30th March. The rest of the campsites on the W trek will stay open till the end of April.
Most people who hike in Torres del Paine store their luggage in their hotel/hostel in Puerto Natales. It's a normal thing to do and it shouldn't be a problem. We did so when we went hiking.
Good luck
Hi there! Thank you so much for this information! I will start my w-trekking next Thursday. I’ve booked the equipment at the camping. Can you tell me if it is possible to cook? Of do I have to rent my own cooking stove and pans in Puerto Natales?
Hello Aimy. Thank you for the comment. You need your own cooking gear even if you stay at fully-equipped campsites on the W trek. There is no shared kitchen like in hostels. If you don't have your own gear (and camping gas) you'll have to rent it in Puerto Natales unless you chose a full-board option that includes all meals at campsites but it's a lot more expensive than making your own food.
Good luck
Hi, thanks for your excelent post. I am wondering if the times for walking with a backpacking with tent, equipment, food etc ( around 15 kilogrames) are considarable accurate ? Its rise concern to me about certainty for isntance 11 km from paine to grey 4 hours or even worse 20 km from frances to chileno in 11 hours... I would really highly apprecaite a confirmation of this times as I am doing the W next december and I am 55 Years old . thanks in advance.
Hello Alberto. Thank you for the comment. The times provided are official times that are given by the park for the W trek. Our walking times are always much faster than the average so we don't provide them in this post because for most people with a loaded backpack they will be unrealistic. The times include stops for rest, snacks, photos, etc. The part from Frances to Chileno has a long and quite steep ascent that's why it takes longer to walk. For that part, I would say you can walk it in 6-8 hours depending on your fitness level, your backpack weight, etc. The part from Paine Grande to Grey has some ascents as well.
Cheers
Hi there,
I'm currently looking a two different trekking circuits offered by Vertice and Fantastico Sur (or Las Torres). Both are 5 days and 4 nights for the same dates 12/19-12/23. The one offered by Vertice is campsite only (~$600 cheaper because of this) and includes 1 additional day of hiking because they leave to Torres National park in the early morning whereas Fantastico Sur leaves later in the afternoon. Would you recommend staying in the campsite or the refugio? We plan to purchase full board and all of the sleeping equipment through them. Also, do you have any preferences between the two companies? Any concerns paying either company in full to confirm the reservation?
Itineraries below:
Vertice
Day 1: Arrival to Torres del Paine National Park - Trek to the Base of the Towers camping in Torres Central
Day 2: Trek to Los Cuernos or Francés camping in Los Cuernos / Frances
Day 3: Explore the French Valley camping in Paine Grande
Day 4: Trek to Grey camping in Grey
Day 5: Trek to Paine Grande – Catamaran - Return to Puerto Natales
Fantastico Sur
Day 1: Transport to Torres del Paine, lodging in Central Mountain Hostel.
Day 2: Hike to Las Torres Base, lodging in Central Mountain Hostel.
Day 3: Hike to the Francés Sector, lodging in Francés or Cuernos Mountain Hostel.
Day 4: Hike to the Francés Valley, lodging at Paine Grande Mountain Hostel.
Day 5: Hike to Grey Glacier lookout point, return in catamaran trip via Pehoé Lake to Puerto Natales.
Appreciate your advice!
Hi Chris. Thank you for the comment. I would take the first itinerary for the W trek with Vertice as you have more time in Torres del Paine. From our experience Fantastico Sur (Las Torres) is overpriced they charge more for the same services (camping, meals, etc.). In your case, it's more expensive because you stay indoors as opposed to camping but I still don't think that sleeping in dormitory rooms with 10 other people cost 600US$ more. If it was private accommodation I would understand. Camping in Torres is a part of the experience we really enjoyed it. If it's a tour you don't have to pitch your tent or break it down every day which saves a lot of time. I'm sure the gear is good enough for camping you won't be cold or wet.
Both companies are reliable they've been offering services in the park for many years so if you book directly with them I don't see any problems. Before you book read their cancellation policy just in case to know if you can get a full refund in case you cancel the trip. The trip is not that far away though I'm sure everything will work out fine.
Cheers
Hi, thanks for your great info-helps a lot!
I wanted to ask if it’s possible to also book breakfast and dinner directly at the campsites at the days we arrive or do we have to book in advance?
Thanks a lot for your help,
Regards
Julian
Hello Julian. Thank you for the comment. On Vertice Patagonia website it says that you can book dinner and breakfast on the day. Dinner has to be booked before 3 pm. On Las Torres website there is no information about times but since all the campsites on the W trek have a restaurant I'm sure you'll be able to get a hot meal without advanced booking. If you do the W trek over Christmas or New Year's Eve then you'll have to book your meals in advance.
Cheers
Hi there! Great info! One update: It appears that the boat from Lago Grey Hotel does stop at Camp Grey now. This is from their site:
"For the 1st and 2nd boat excursions. The trip starts from Grey beach and after 45 minutes we stop at Refugio Grey so that passengers that have “one way” tickets can embark or disembark. The catamaran then continues towards the glacier for around one hour. After returning to Grey beach you have to walk between 30-45 minutes across a pebble beach to return to hotel Lago Grey. With this ticket, you won´t visit Grey Glacier. After its departure, the 3rd boat trip goes straight to visit Grey Glacier and then it stops at Refugio Grey so that passengers that have “one way” tickets can embark or disembark. After this, the trip returns to Grey beach."
It can be done in reverse, as well, though it takes an hour longer as it includes a tour of the glacier. This allows you to do the W in one fewer day!
Hello Eric. Thank you for the update. It's difficult to keep up with all the companies that provide services in Torres del Paine including the official CONAF. I'll update the post.
Cheers
@Eric, hi, I’m not sure if the website info is updated. This overall has been so helpful! And thank you for the update regarding the boat. I’m a bit confused as to how it cuts the hike from 5 to 4 days and where does the boat start? Would you start at puerto or hotel las tores?
Thank you!
Hello Fidan. I'm the website owner. Yes, the information on this website is updated. It's difficult to keep up with all the private companies that provide services inside the park and change their terms all the time. The boat Eric is talking about is not a part of the suggested itinerary for the W trek (or any standard itinerary). I mention it because some tour companies offer it as a part of the W trek package. It's a cruise from Lago Grey Hotel (which is not on the W trek) to Grey Glacier. In order to get to that hotel you'll need a car. The shuttle bus from Puerto Natales doesn't go there. Check the W trek route map you can see the hotel at the bottom on the left. There is no campsite at Hotel Grey and it's a very expensive place to stay. The ferry that hikers use for the W trek is the one from Pudeto to Paine Grande.
It's possible to do the W trek in 4 days and there is a suggested 4-day itinerary. Day 1. You arrive at Paine Grande, leave your luggage there (take only valuables), hike to Grey Campsite and back the same day, 22 km return. Day 2. Paine Grande - Frances. Day 3. Frances - Chileno. Day 4. Chileno - Puerto Natales.
Good luck
@Stingynomads
Thank you so much for the suggestions! And all the information, it’s incredibly helpful.
Would you know if there are ferries that depart Pudeto at 5:30pm? I may have to take a last bus from puerto Natales, and I wonder if I could still make it to the park entrance that late. There is an option to fly from Santiago landing at 12:45pm, I wonder if I can still make it to the park that day or stay in Puerto Natales for the day and depart the next day (but then I lose a whole day almost).
Thank you for recommendations once again!! People owe you more than a coffee, such useful tips!
Hello Fidan. The last bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine leaves at 2.15 pm I don't know if it gives you enough time to get from the airport to catch the bus. From October to April there is a ferry from Pudeto to Paine Grande at 6 pm if you're in time for the last bus you can still make it to the park the same day.
Good luck
Have you come across the package tour offered by Vertice?
Looks very reasonably priced considering it includes all accommodation, food, fees and transport .
If you think it's a good deal and it meets your requirements then maybe you should book it. We did the W trek independently without using any company.
Cheers
On the Las Torres website I am seeing refugios that are priced $40-50 a night but then $92 with bed sheets included.
Have you come across this before?
Also the costs on Las Torres are very different to the Patagonia travel booking site.
Hello Nathan. Yes, a dorm bed without sheets costs less than a bed with sheets. Many people walk the W trek with their own sleeping bags which means they don't need bedding. Mattresses and pillows are provided. So if you want to save money it's better to have your own sleeping bag than you pay only for a bed.
I'm not sure the costs of what is different? In any case, I'd rather book everything directly with the two companies Vertice Patagonia and Las Torres. It's not the first time they try to set up a combined single booking system for Torres del Paine and there is always some sort of a problem or glitch with the system. The new booking system is recommended on the official park website so I had to mention it in the post but as I specified we have never used it so no personal experience.
Good luck
Hi there! Thank you for such a lovely and informative post! Planning for Patagonia has been very confusing so far. We are coming into TdP from El Calafate, hiking the park east to west, then leaving to go to Puerto Natales. A few questions for you. If we are coming in and leaving to different locations, we will need to leave extra luggage at the end of our trek (I think this is either Grey or Paine Grande… but not sure where we would leave our luggage)? I would imagine we would then get on a shuttle from that location back to central camp/Hotel Torres to begin our trek. Then finish at Paine Grande, take the catamaran across the lake, shuttle (back to Pudito??) and then bus back to Puerto Natalas. Do you know where we would leave luggage (on the west side), and how we would get from that location back to central camp?
Thank you so much!
Hello Cameron. Thank you for the comment. I'm not aware of direct buses from El Calafate to Torres del Paine. Is it a new service? Where did you find information about it? As far as I know, there are buses from El Calafate to Puerto Natales, the closest to Torres del Paine town. Most hikers stay in Puerto Natales before and after visiting Torres del Paine. In this case, your luggage issue is easy to solve. You can leave it at your accommodation in Puerto Natales, most places store it for free or for a small fee. From Puerto Natales, you take a bus to Torres del Paine. If you want to hike the W trek east to west then you get off at the Laguna Amarga entrance and take a shuttle but to the Central campsite or walk there it's about 7 km. After finishing the W trek at Paine Grande you first take a catamaran to Pudeto and from there a bus to Puerto Natales. To be honest, I have never seen any campsites in Torres del Paine offering luggage storage service.
Good luck with your planning
Hi there, I appreciate the well organized information provided! Just a question, I'm looking to do the W trek (5 days) in mid Sep. As you shared, the Paine Grande and Grey Campsite is not available for booking until Oct 1st. What are the alternatives for Day 1 and Day 2 campsites?
Hello Matthew. Unfortunately, both Vertice Patagonia campsites on the W trek are open for booking only from 1st October. Refugios and hostels at Grey and Paine Grande are available from the same date. I'm not sure if it's possible to complete the standard W trek without staying at these 2 campsites. The nearest to the Grey and Paine Grande campsite is Frances. If you can't change your dates and mid-September is the only time to visit Torres del Paine you can cut the route shorter and stay at Frances (opens 10th September), Chileno (opens 10th September), and Central (opens 8th September).
Do a so-called express W trek; Day 1. Bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine. Stay a night at Central and hike to the Mirador las Torres. As an option, you can stay at the Chileno campsite instead of the Central. Day 2. Hike from Central to Frances (camp at the Frances). Day 3. Hike from Frances to the Mirador Frances and Britanico, camp at Frances. Day 4. Hike from Frances to the nearest glacier Grey viewpoint (past Paine Grande), return to the pier at Paine Grande, and catch a ferry (5 pm-5.30 pm) to Pudeto. From Pudeto catch a bus to Puerto Natales. It's the best option I can think of.
Good luck
@Stingy Nomads, Thanks for the suggestion! As I'm intending to hike to the Mirador las Torres for sunrise, would you recommend if I did this for Day 1 and 2? Day 1. Take the 12pm bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine. Take a mini-bus from Laguna Amarga to Hotel Las Torres. Hike to Chileno campsite and rest. Day 2. Hike to Mirador las Torres to catch the sunrise. Hike from Chileno to Frances (camp at the Frances).
And just to confirm, I can do the hike without a guide right? Appreciate your help!
I think camping at Chileno the first night and the next morning walking to the Mirador Las Torres and from there walking to Frances is a good itinerary. I just want to point out that according to the Las Torres Patagonia website it's not allowed to use a camping stove at the Chileno campsite due to the high risk of forest fires. You'll have to bring food that doesn't require cooking, precook your meals in Puerto Natales or buy meals at the campsite.
Yes, you can walk the W trek without a guide but you have to book the campsites and the entrance ticket in advance before you go to Torres del Paine.
Cheers
Hi and thanks for the great article! I'd actually prefer to go with a group since I'm traveling solo, but I'm only seeing trips for $2700 and upwards of $3,000 for just five days. Do you know of any local guides who offer more affordable pricing?
Thanks!
Hello, Tanya. Thank you for the comment. I can suggest checking on the Erratic Rock website. It's a local hostel/company in Puerto Natales. I can see on their site they offer the W trek in Torres del Paine for the upcoming season for US$1500 per person it includes park fees, transport, accommodation, food, and camping gear. It's still quite pricey compared to how much you pay if you do it independently but if you don't want to hike solo it might be your best option. The W trek is a very popular route even if you start walking solo it's very likely you'll meet many hikers along the route every day. It's not dangerous for a solo female traveler to hike the W trek.
Good luck
hey hey,
thanks for much for all the details, really enjoyed reading through this!
I was wondering if it was quite crowdy on a W trek when you went? how many people in a day would you usually come across?
Hello, Alex. Thank you for the comment. We did the W trek in mid-March which is not the peak season and there were still quite a few people on the route. I can't say exactly how many people but the campsites were quite full. Maybe nowadays with the travel restrictions, there will be fewer foreign tourists. Locals have holidays in January - February in March there are usually not many Chileans hiking in Torres del Paine. people.
Cheers
Hi! Thank you for the great and detailed information on your site!
If the catamaran from Pudeto to Paine Grande gets full for the 11AM trip, will travelers have to wait for the 2PM trip? Same question goes for the bus from Puerto Natales to Pudeto.
Hello, Gina. Thank you for the comment. Yes, if the catamaran or the bus to Torres del Paine gets full you'll have to wait for the next one. For the bus, I'd recommend getting to the bus stop earlier to make sure you get in. The catamaran is quite big I'm sure you'll be able to get on the 11am one.
Enjoy the W trek
Great Site. I wish we would have tried to plan our trip sooner to get some availability!
Questions:
What exactly does a "fully-equipped campsite" mean/entail? Does that imply a tent is already set up?
And, if you camp for two consecutive days on campground site, can the tent stay up or does camp need to be broken down?
It says that the few free campsites are closed/shuttered for 21/22?
Thanks! Hopefully we can figure out another option other than W circuit!
Hello, Nancy. Thank you for the comment. Fully-equipped campsites are tents pitched on wooden platforms with a mattress and a sleeping bag. These campsites belong to Las Torres Patagonia.
If you camp for two days or more you don't have to break down your tent every day it can stay pitched until you leave the campsite.
The free campsites belong to the CONAF. According to their site, they are not open for this hiking season. The is no information on when and if they're going to open again. You can complete the W trek and the O Circuit staying only in paid campsites.
Good luck
Thanks so much for this! Do you have any recommendations of tours for a 4 day trek in January? And any advice on how far in advance to book?
Hello, Isha. Thank you for the comment. I can suggest contacting Las Torres Patagonia they have a 4-day all-inclusive W trek. They have a chat line on their website you can send them a message to find out if there are still spots available. January is a very busy time in Torres del Paine.
Cheers
Thank you so much for all this great info! I am planning a solo trip and was trying to figure out the living situation and the trek times. I went ahead and booked with getyourguide. Is this a dependable website? Have you used them in the past? What worries me about them is their cancellation policy up until a day before the trek, which I am not complaining about but I fear of getting there and no one showing up.
Hello, Ilyas. Thank you for the comment. GetYourGuide is a reputable booking platform we've been working with them for several years. As for your booking of the W trek tour the company that does it is the Chile Tour Patagonia. They are based in Puerto Natales. The company looks legit, they have a good website and a Facebook page. If you're worried about your booking I'd suggest contacting them through their site or sending a message on Facebook to confirm your booking and all the details. I'm sure after getting in touch with them you'll feel better. I'd do it for you but I don't have the details of your booking.
Good luck!
This is amazing! Thank you for the detailed information about hiking the W. We are planning a November trip (COVID willing), and I have a couple questions that I am hoping you can assist with:
1. Do I need to pack 5 days worth of food, or can I purchase food along the way?
2. How far in advance do you suggest booking campsites?
3. Do you have any information about taking the ferry from Hotel Lago and hiking to Paine Grande? Do you suggest this as an option?
Thanks again,
Ben
Hello, Ben. Thank you very much for the comment!
1. You don't have to pack food for 5 days. The paid campsites on the W trek have small shops and restaurants you can buy food to prepare yourself or have a read-made meal there though it'll be more expensive. I'd recommend packing snacks (nuts, energy bars, etc.).
2. November is not a peak season I don't think the campsites on the W trek will be fully booked but due to the COVID, there might be limitations on the number of people allowed to camp at the same time. I'd recommend contacting them to make sure you'll get a spot and to confirm when it's better to make a booking.
3. As far as I know the ferry from Hotel Lago doesn't drop passengers along the navigation route, it's a return trip from the hotel and back. I don't think you can take the ferry, get off at Glacier Grey and hike to Paine Grande. You'll have to walk from Paine Grande and back. On the bright side, you can leave your luggage at the Paine Grande campsite and walk with a day pack.
Good luck
Hi, I'm looking to photograph Lake Pahoe and Paine Massif before beginning the W trek and it looks like the best place to do that is around the Hotel Explora / Camping Lago Pahoe area. Any tips on how to get there without going all the way to Paine Grande the first day?
Hi, Teagan! You can take a shuttle bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine, its first stop is Laguna Amarga the park office where everybody gets off the bus to pay the entrance fee from there the bus drives to Pudeto (the catamaran pier) and then to Administration Office, the last stop. Hotel Explora and Camping Pehoe are between Pudeto and Administration Office you an just ask a bus driver to stop there. The next day you'll have to walk back to Pudeto or take a bus.
Cheers!
I am using the distances you've added under the Trail Closing Time section, and while the map lists Hotel, refugio, y area de acampar Las Torres as one area, you break them out as Hotel Las Torres and Campsite Torres. Are these really that far apart? You have them about a mile apart when coming from Campsite Chileno.
Hi, Nikole! Campsite Torres is currently closed, it's a free CONAF campsite the closest to Mirador Las Torres. Hotel Las Torres is a hotel all the way down from Campsite Chileno, at the exit from the park. I don't know why they've chosen the same name for two different places.
Cheers!
Hi there. There are a group of us planning the W trek in January. Some want to camp and some want to stay in the hostel. How far soarer do you think the different sites are? Can you do the guided tour, prepared food, etc. and camp - so we can spend more time together or should we all pick the same accommodations?
Thanks,
Brenda
Hello, Brenda! On the W trek, all paid campsites have refugios (cabins) it won't be a problem to stay at the same place. It's possible as well to rent camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, mat) at every paid campsite you don't have to carry a heavy backpack with. You can check on Fantastico Sur and Vertice Patagonia websites prices, facilities, etc. You can book a full board option for both camping and cabins it includes your accommodation and three meals per day then you don't need to worry about cooking, carrying food, gear etc.
Cheers!